Species

Orthoceras novae-zeelandiae

Etymology

Orthoceras: straight hornnovae-zeelandiae: of New Zealand

Common Name(s)

Horned orchid

Current Conservation Status

2012 - Not Threatened

Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2012 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This report includes a statistical summary and brief notes on changes since 2009 and replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Authors: Peter J. de Lange, Jeremy R. Rolfe, Paul D. Champion, Shannel P. Courtney, Peter B. Heenan, John W. Barkla, Ewen K. Cameron, David A. Norton and Rodney A. Hitchmough. File size: 792KB

Previous Conservation Status

2009 - Not Threatened
2004 - Not Threatened

Authority

Orthoceras novae-zeelandiae (A.Rich.) M.A.Clem., D.Jones et Molloy

Family

Orchidaceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Native

NVS Species Code

ORTNOV

The National Vegetation Survey (NVS) Databank is a physical archive and electronic databank containing records of over 94,000 vegetation survey plots - including data from over 19,000 permanent plots. NVS maintains a standard set of species code abbreviations that correspond to standard scientific plant names from the Ngä Tipu o Aotearoa - New Zealand Plants database.

Structural Class

Synonyms

Distribution

Endemic. North and South Islands. In the South Island mainly westerly and recorded as far south as Hokitika

Habitat

Coastal to lower montane (up to 800 m a.s.l.). Usually in very sunny sites on open, free draining soils or clay banks with little associated taller vegetation. Often found in urban areas on mostly bare roadside cuttings.

Similar Taxa

Flowering

Flower Colours

Fruiting

Propagation Technique

Easily grown in a sunny, free draining soil. Excellent in pots. Should not be removed from the wild.

Threats

Not Threatened

Chromosome No.

2n = 42, 44

Endemic Taxon

Yes

Endemic Genus

No

Endemic Family

No

Where To Buy

Not commercially available.

Taxonomic notes

The distinction between O. novae-zeelandiae and O. strictum R.Br. seems very slight and dubious. Orthoceras strictum is said to differ by its longer floral bract and more narrowly pointed labellum. Similar plants have been found in New Zealand, and there is often a gradation between broad and more narrowly pointed labellum apices present within populations.